Bahamas gov’t outlines crime fighting plans

The newly elected Progressive Liberal Party government in Bahamas has announced plans to introduce a National Firearms Control Strategy to counter the proliferation of illegal firearms within the country.



The party has reportedly made crime and violence a major plank of its campaign for the May 7 general election.



National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage said violence associated with the use of illegal firearms would be reduced as a result of the new strategy.



He said the initiative, along with an improved gun registry, the marking and tracing of weapons and the regular destruction of obsolete and confiscated firearms, are all part of a larger plan aimed at reducing illegal gun trafficking.



Meanwhile, Dr. Nottage, who was sworn into office last week, said the new Perry Christie administration is also committed to a National Intelligence Agency to address all categories of major crimes in the country.